Three-ball pool rack

ABSTRACT

A three-ball pool rack apparatus includes three straight wall portions and three curved corner portions connected between adjacent straight wall portions. The straight wall portions and the curved corner portions define a ball-reception space, and the ball-reception space is of a size which is large enough to retain a maximum of three standard size pool balls. The straight wall portions and the curved corner portions form an equilateral triangular formation. The straight wall portions and the curved corner portions extend perpendicularly upward from a pool table surface when placed thereon. Preferably, a lip extends outward horizontally from top portions of the straight wall portions and the curved corner portions. A finger-reception gap is provided in the ball-reception space when three object balls are contained in the ball-reception space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority based upon my copendingProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/205,294, filed May 19, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to accessories for thegame of pool and, more particularly, to a three ball pool rack designedfor use in playing a three-ball pool game.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The game of pool, also called pocket billiards, involves the useof a table with six pockets located along the periphery of a table, anumber of balls positioned on the table, and two or more players eachusing a stick to propel the balls. One particular ball, the cue ball, ispropelled by a player toward another ball on the table. The object ofthe game is to drive the balls other than the cue ball into the pockets.Many variations of the game are commonly played.

[0006] The most popular size tables are rectangular and range from fiveto ten feet long, and from two and one-half to five feet wide. Mosttables used in the United States have table surfaces with lengths whichare twice their width. The balls are generally about two and one-quarterinch in diameter.

[0007] To begin the game, the balls are usually grouped within atriangularly shaped rack, with the position of the rack on the table andthe initial starting point of the cue ball being determined by markingson the table. After the balls are properly aligned, the rack is removedand one player propels the cue ball into the other balls. The playerstake turns using the cue ball to drive the other balls into the pocketsuntil none of the balls except the cue ball are left.

[0008] Usually, the cue ball is used to drive another ball directly intothe pocket. Sometimes, the cue ball is first bounced off the sides orcushions of the table before striking the other balls, or the cue ballis used to propel a first ball into one or more other balls before oneball is eventually driven into the pocket.

[0009] Throughout the years, a number of innovations have been developedrelating to the racks that are used to properly align and position theobjects balls on a pool table, and the following U.S. patents arerepresentative of some of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos. 228,879,4,307,881, 4,452,450, and 4,619,455. U.S. Pat. No. 228,879 discloses arack for aligning and positioning fifteen pool balls. U.S. Pat. No.4,307,881 discloses a rack for aligning and positioning six pool balls.Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,450 and 4,619,455 discloses a rack foraligning and positioning seven pool balls.

[0010] One variation of the game of pool involves using one cue ball andthree standard size pool balls. Conventionally, to align and positionthree balls on a pool table for a three-ball pool game, a player may useno rack at all and may use one's hands alone. Such a purely manualmethod of aligning and positioning pool balls may not be accurate andmay not be easily reproducible. In this respect, it would be desirableto provide means for aligning and positioning pool balls which does notemploy purely manual alignment and positioning skills.

[0011] Another conventional way of aligning and positioning three poolballs is to employ a conventional rack that is designed to properlyalign and position ten pool balls. Use of such a conventional rack my bean improvement over the use of purely manual alignment and positioningskills, but such a conventional ten-ball-capacity rack does not lenditself to accurate and reproducible aligning and positioning only threepool balls. In this respect, it would be desirable if means for aligningand positioning three pool balls were provided which does not employ aconventional ten-ball-capacity rack.

[0012] It is noted that none of the patents cited above discloses a rackfor aligning and positioning three pool balls to be used in a three-ballpool game. In this respect, it would be desirable if a pool ball rackwere provided that is a three-ball-capacity rack.

[0013] Still other features would be desirable in a three-ball poolrack. For example, a conventional rack generally employs straightvertical walls. Racks having straight vertical walls may not be easilylifted because there are essentially no horizontal surfaces availablefor grasping. In this respect, it would be desirable if a three-ballrack were provided which includes a horizontal grasping surface whichpermits easy lifting of the rack.

[0014] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to bewell known to use racks for six or more pool balls, the prior artdescribed above does not teach or suggest a pool ball rack which has thefollowing combination of desirable features: (1) provides means foraligning and positioning pool balls which do not employ purely manualalignment and positioning skills; (2) does not employ a conventionalten-ball-capacity rack; (3) provides a three-ball-capacity rack; and (4)includes a horizontal grasping surface which permits easy lifting of therack. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the uniquethree-ball pool rack of the present invention as will be made apparentfrom the following description thereof. Other advantages of the presentinvention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the presentinvention, briefly described, is a three-ball rack which is a pool gameaccessory. The three-ball rack is used to align three standard size poolballs in a triangular formation. The three-ball rack is used whileplaying a pool game called three-ball. The three-ball rack is used asfollows. The three-ball rack is placed on a pool table. Any threestandard size pool object balls are placed inside the three-ball rack.The three-ball rack containing the three object balls is then positionedso that the lead ball of the formation rests on the foot spot of thepool table. The balls are pressed forward in the three-ball rack so thatthere is contact between all three balls. The three-ball rack is thenremoved and play begins.

[0016] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the moreimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription thereof that follows may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated.There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will bedescribed hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of theclaims appended hereto.

[0017] In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limitedin its application to the details of the construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as abasis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anew and improved three-ball pool rack which has all of the advantages ofthe prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a newand improved three-ball pool rack which may be easily and efficientlymanufactured and marketed.

[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved three-ball pool rack which is of durable and reliableconstruction.

[0022] An even further object of the present invention is to provide anew and improved three-ball pool rack which is susceptible of a low costof manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and whichaccordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consumingpublic, thereby making such three-ball pool rack available to the buyingpublic.

[0023] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to providea new and improved three-ball pool rack which provides means foraligning and positioning pool balls which do not employ purely manualalignment and positioning skills.

[0024] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved pool ball rack that does not employ a conventionalten-ball-capacity rack.

[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved pool ball rack which provides a three-ball-capacity rack.

[0026] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved three-ball pool rack that includes a horizontal graspingsurface which permits easy lifting of the rack.

[0027] These together with still other objects of the invention, alongwith the various features of novelty which characterize the invention,are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will be better understood and the above objects aswell as objects other than those set forth above will become moreapparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof.Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a top view showing a three-ball pool game being playedon a conventional pool table with a conventional cue stick, cue ball,and three conventional pool balls.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a three-ball rack of theinvention used in a three-ball pool game.

[0031]FIG. 3 is a top view of the three-ball rack shown in FIG. 2.

[0032]FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 thereof.

[0033]FIG. 5 is a top view of the three-ball rack shown in FIG. 3 inwhich three balls are positioned for a break.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved three-ballpool rack embodying the principles and concepts of the present inventionwill be described.

[0035] Turning to FIGS. 2-5, there is shown an exemplary embodiment ofthe three-ball pool rack of the invention generally designated byreference numeral 10. In its preferred form, three-ball pool rack 10includes three straight wall portions 12 and three curved cornerportions 14 connected between adjacent straight wall portions 12. Thestraight wall portions 12 and the curved corner portions 14 define aball-reception space 16, and the ball-reception space 16 is of a sizewhich is large enough to retain a maximum of three pool balls 18.Preferably, the ball-reception space 16 is of a size which is largeenough to retain a maximum of three standard size object pool balls 18.Standard size object pool balls 18 have a diameter of 2.5 inches.

[0036] The straight wall portions 12 and the curved corner portions 14form a triangular formation. The triangular formation is an equilateraltriangular formation. The straight wall portions 12 and the curvedcorner portions 14 extend perpendicularly upward from a pool tablesurface 11. An inner perpendicular bisector distance 22 from an insideportion of a curved corner portion 14 to an inside portion of anopposite straight wall portion 12 can be five inches.

[0037] Preferably, a lip 20 which extends outward horizontally from topportions of the straight wall portions 12 and the curved corner portions14. The lip 20 serves as a handle for lifting up the setting down thethree-ball pool rack 10 on the pool table surface 11.

[0038] Straight wall portions 12 and the curved corner portions 14 canbe one eighth inch thick. The lip 20 can extend horizontally outwardfrom the straight wall portions 12 and the curved corner portions 14 onequarter inch. A first outer perpendicular bisector distance 24 from anoutside portion of a lip portion adjacent to a curved corner portion 14to an outside portion of a lip portion adjacent to an opposite straightwall portion 12 can be five and three quarter inches. A second outerperpendicular bisector distance 26 from an outside portion of a curvedcorner portion 14 to an outside portion of an opposite straight wallportion 12 can be five and three quarter inches.

[0039] A finger-reception gap 28 is provided in the ball-reception space16 when three object balls 18 are contained in the ball-reception space16. A user places some of one's fingers in the finger gap 28 when theobject balls 18 are placed in a three ball formation in theball-reception space 16. The three-ball rack 10 lends itself to thethree-ball pool game in that it facilitates producing a tight andconsistent rack (aligned formation of three object balls 18) for eachplayer in the group.

[0040] Using the three-ball pool rack 10 of the invention, aconventional pool table 13, a cue ball 15, a cue stick 17, and threestandard object pool balls 18, one can play a three-ball pool game (seeFIG. 1). A three-ball pool game can be played in a variety of ways.Players may adopt a variety of protocols for scoring during the game.However, a preferred protocol is disclosed hereinbelow.

[0041] More specifically, the preferred three-ball pool game is based ona point scoring system, taking into account the number of shots andfouls. The object of the game is to break and pocket three standard sizeobject pool balls 18 (in no particular order) in the least amount ofshots committing the least amount of fouls.

[0042] The preferred game begins by placing the three-ball pool rack 10on the pool table surface 11. Three standard size object pool balls 18are placed with the ball-reception space 16 defined by the three-ballpool rack 10 and form a three ball formation. The three-ball pool rack10 containing the three ball formation of the three standard size objectpool balls 18 within the ball-reception space 16 is positioned on thepool table surface 11 so that the lead ball of the three ball formationrests on the foot spot 21 on the pool table surface 11. The standardsize object pool balls 18 are pressed forward by fingers of the user sothat there is mutual contact between all three balls. The three-ballpool rack 10 is then removed from the three ball formation of the objectballs.

[0043] The cue ball 15 is placed anywhere behind the head string 23 ofthe pool table. This is known as ball in hand for the break. Using a cuestick 17, the first player uses a cue stick 17 to shoot the cue ball 15to cross the head string 23 of the pool table into the three ballformation. This is referred to as the break. After the break, the playercontinues to shoot, causing the cue ball 15 to carom into the objectballs 18 in an effort to pocket all three of the object balls 18 usingthe least amount of shots and committing the least amount of fouls. Onceall three object balls 18 are pocketed, the player is done, and hisscore is recorded.

[0044] A new rack of three object balls 18 is then positioned as it wasfor the first player in the group. The next player in the group breaksand continues to shoot until all three object balls 18 are pocketed.Once all three object balls 18 are pocketed, that player is done, andhis score is recorded.

[0045] The game continues in this fashion until each player in the grouphas played out their individual rack of three object balls 18. Theplayer with the lowest score at the end of the round is the winner. Inthe event of a tie, another round for the entire group is played todetermine a winner.

[0046] Turning to specific rules and scoring, it is not necessary for aplayer to call pockets, balls, combination or bank shots. The cue ballmust cross the head string 23 to count as a legal break. No balls needto contact a rail on the table to constitute a legal break.

[0047] In scoring, a break earns 1 point with or without any or allobject balls being hit or pocketed. If the object balls are missedduring a legal opening break, the cue ball is played from the spot whereit stops moving. It is not reset behind the head string 23 for anotherattempt at the opening break.

[0048] For each shot taken after a break, 1 point is earned. Two or moreobject balls pocketed with a single shot earns 1 point.

[0049] There are a number of ways to foul. Fouls are scored by earning 1point for the shot taken and 1 point for the foul. One form of a foul isa scratch. A scratch earns 2 points, with or without any or all objectsbeing pocketed. The cue ball 15 is placed anywhere behind the headstring 23 and play continues.

[0050] When the cue ball jumps off the table, that counts as a scratchand earns 2 points. When an object ball jumps off the table, that alsoearns 2 points.

[0051] When this occurs, the object ball is returned to the table andplaced on the foot spot 21. If more than one object ball is to be reset,they are to be lined up with the first ball on the foot spot 21 and theremaining balls placed directly behind the first ball. The cue ball 15is played from the spot where it has stopped moving.

[0052] Any rules additional to or contrary to the above-mentioned rulesshould be agreed upon by the entire group of players prior tocommencement of play.

[0053] When the three-ball pool rack 10 of the invention is sold, a copyof the rules for a three-ball pool game can be attached to thethree-ball pool rack 10.

[0054] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a set of poolgame equipment is provided and which includes: a pool table 13; a cuestick 17; a cue ball 15; three standard object balls 18, and athree-ball pool rack 10 which includes three straight wall portions 12and three curved corner portions 14 connected between adjacent straightwall portions 12, wherein the straight wall portions 12 and the curvedcorner portions 14 define a ball-reception space 16, and wherein theball-reception space 16 is of a size which is large enough to retain amaximum of three pool balls 18.

[0055] The components of the three-ball pool rack of the invention canbe made from inexpensive and durable metal and plastic materials. Thethree-ball pool rack 10 can be made from molded plastic materials.

[0056] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention,the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, nofurther discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need beprovided.

[0057] It is apparent from the above that the present inventionaccomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new andimproved three-ball pool rack that is low in cost, relatively simple indesign and operation, and which may advantageously be used for aligningand positioning three pool balls without employing purely manualalignment and positioning skills. With the invention, a pool rack isprovided for a three-ball pool game which does not employ a conventionalten-ball-capacity rack. With the invention, a pool ball rack provides athree-ball-capacity rack. With the invention, a three-ball pool rack isprovided which includes a horizontal grasping surface which permits easylifting of the rack.

[0058] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawingsand fully described above with particularity and detail in connectionwith what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including,but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, functionand manner of operation, assembly and use.

[0059] Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should bedetermined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims soas to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationshipsequivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification.

[0060] Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexedAbstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and thepublic generally, and especially the scientists, engineers andpractitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal termsor phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection thenature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention orthe application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LettersPatent of the united states is as follows:
 1. A three-ball pool rack,comprising: three straight wall portions, three curved corner portionsconnected between adjacent straight wall portions, wherein said straightwall portions and said curved corner portions define a ball-receptionspace, wherein said ball-reception space is of a size which is largeenough to retain a maximum of three pool balls.
 2. The rack of claim 1wherein said ball-reception space is of a size which is large enough toretain a maximum of three standard size object pool balls.
 3. The rackof claim 1 wherein said straight wall portions and said curved cornerportions form a triangular formation.
 4. The rack of claim 3 whereinsaid triangular formation is an equilateral triangular formation.
 5. Therack of claim 1 wherein said straight wall portions and said curvedcorner portions extend perpendicularly upward from a pool table surface.6. The rack of claim 1 wherein an inner perpendicular bisector distancefrom an inside portion of a curved corner portion to an inside portionof an opposite straight wall portion can be about five inches.
 7. Therack of claim 1 wherein straight wall portions and said curved cornerportions are about one eighth inch thick.
 8. The rack of claim 1 ,further including: a lip which extends outward horizontally from topportions of said straight wall portions and said curved corner portions.9. The rack of claim 8 wherein said lip extends horizontally outwardfrom said straight wall portions and said curved corner portions aboutone quarter inch.
 10. The rack of claim 8 wherein a first outerperpendicular bisector distance from an outside portion of a lip portionadjacent to a curved corner portion to an outside portion of a lipportion adjacent to an opposite straight wall portion can be about fiveand three quarter inches.
 11. The rack of claim 8 wherein a second outerperpendicular bisector distance from an outside portion of a curvedcorner portion to an outside portion of an opposite straight wallportion can be about five and three quarter inches.
 12. The rack ofclaim 1 wherein a finger-reception gap is provided in saidball-reception space when three object balls are contained in saidball-reception space.
 13. A set of pool game equipment, comprising: apool table, a cue stick, a cue ball, three standard object balls, and athree-ball pool rack which includes three straight wall portions andthree curved corner portions connected between adjacent straight wallportions, wherein said straight wall portions and said curved cornerportions define a ball-reception space, and wherein said ball-receptionspace is of a size which is large enough to retain a maximum of threepool balls.